Shrub rose plant named Auswith

ABSTRACT

A shrub rose having large, fully double rosette flowers that are repeat flowering, generally pale pink in color, the color of the petals varying on each flower.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of roseplant of the shrub class which was originated by me by crossing thevariety AUSmary with an unnamed seedling.

The primary objective of this breeding was to produce a new shrub rosevariety that is repeat flowering and has pink, old-fashioned-shapedflowers. The objective was substantially achieved, along with otherdesirable improvements, as evidenced by the following unique combinationof characteristics that are outstanding in the new variety and thatdistinguish it from its parents, as well as from all other varieties ofwhich I am aware:

1. Paler pink flowers than either parent;

2. Fully double rosette flowers;

3. Large blooms; and

4. Petals varying in color on each flower.

Asexual reproduction of this new variety by budding, as performed atAlbrighton, Wolverhampton, England, shows that the foregoingcharacteristics and distinctions come true to form and are establishedand transmitted through succeeding propagations.

The accompanying illustration shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of this new variety in different stages ofdevelopment, depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonablypossible to make the same in a color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new rose cultivar withcolor descriptions using terminology in accordance with the RoyalHorticultural Society (London) Colour Chart, except where ordinarydictionary significance of color is indicated.

Parentage:

Seed parent.--AUSmary (unpatented).

Pollen parent.--Unnamed seedling (unpatented).

Classification:

Botanical.--Rosa hybrida.

Commercial.--Shrub.

FLOWER

Observations made from specimens grown in a garden environment atAlbrighton, Wolverhampton, England.

Blooming habit: Recurrent.

Bud:

Size.--2 to 5 cm long when the petals start to unfurl.

Form.--The bud form is blunt topped, globular.

Color.--When sepals first divide, bud color is Red Group 37A/B. Whenhalf blown, the upper sides of the petals are Orange Group 29D; and thelower sides of the petals are Red Group 39C/D.

Sepals.--Color: Yellow-Green Group 144A/B. Surface texture: Fairlysmooth. There are three lightly appendaged sepals. There are twounappendaged sepals with smooth, downy edges.

Receptacle.--Color: Yellow-Green Group 144A/B. Shape: Slender goblet.Size: About 11 mm×10 mm. Surface: Smooth.

Peduncle.--Length: Averaging about 2.5 to 3 cm. Surface: Glandular.Color: Medium green. Strength: Bending, heavy.

Bloom:

Size.--Average open size is 7 to 8 cm.

Borne.--Singly or several together in clusters of irregular shape.

Stems.--Average length is about 60 to 70 cm; normal strength.

Form.--When first open: Bloom is cupped, tea-rose type. Permanence:Flattens to form a rosette with a quartered or button center. Outerpetals curl back. Outer petal edges curl slightly.

Petalage.--Number of petals under normal conditions: 120 to 130.

Color.--The upper side of the petals is: Outer petals: Orange Group27C/D. Inner petals: Red Group 36A/C. The reverse side of the petals is:Outer petals: Orange Group 27D. Inner petals: Red Group 36C. The base ofeach petal has a yellow tinge, Yellow Group 12C, deepening to YellowGroup 12A at the tip. The major color on the upper side is Red Group36A/C.

Variegations.--None.

Discoloration.--The general tonality at the end of the first day: Paler,less orange, more pink/yellow than at beginning of first day. At the endof the third day, Red Group 36D, much paler than on first day.

Fragrance.--Moderate citrus/musk.

Petals:

Texture.--Soft.

Shape.--Outer: round, notched. Inner: more ovoid, deltoid, with a flattop.

Form.--Tips slightly curved; outer petals' edges slightly quilled.

Arrangement.--Quartered rosette, with central petals tucked into calyx,and few petaloids in the center.

Persistence.--Petals drop off cleanly before drying.

Lastingness.--On the plant: 3 to 4 days. As a cut flower: 3 to 4 days.

Reproductive parts:

Anthers.--Size: Medium. Quantity: Many. Color: Golden yellow.Arrangement: Regular around styles; mixed with petaloids.

Filaments.--Color: Yellow.

Pollen.--Color: Gold yellow.

Styles.--Color: Yellow-Green Group 149D (but paler).

Stigmas.--Color: Yellow.

Form: Shrub.

Growth: Vigorous.

Foliage: Usual number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves: 5(occasionally 7).

Size.--About 13 to 14 cm long×10 to 11 cm wide.

Quantity.--Normal distribution of leaves on stem for this class.

Color.--New foliage: Yellow-Green Group 146A/B with Greyed-Red 178Ablush on margins. Old foliage: Yellow-Green Group 147A.

Leaflets:

Shape.--Pointed oval.

Texture.--Upper side: Leathery.

Edge.--Serrated.

Serration.--Small.

Petiole rachis.--Color: Green.

Petiole underside.--1 to 3 small prickles per internode, and slightlyglandular.

Stipules.--About 2.2 cm long, with glandular edges.

Disease resistance.--Resistant to mildew and blackspot under normalgrowing conditions at Albrighton, Wolverhampton, England.

Wood:

New wood.--Color: Light green; slightly reddish. Bark: Smooth.

Old wood.--Color: Green. Bark: Smooth.

Prickles:

Quantity.--On main canes from base: Ordinary. On laterals from maincanes: Ordinary.

Form.--Medium length; hooked downward.

Color when young.--Red, turning transparent.

Small prickles:

Quantity.--On main stalks: Few. On laterals: Many.

Color.--Pinkish/transparent.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the shrub class,substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularlyas to novelty by the unique combination of its repeat flowering, large,fully double rosette flowers that are generally pale pink in color, thecolor of the petals varying on each flower.